The Afghanistan Women’s Coordination Association, through a statement, strongly condemns the detention of women in Herat and describes the arrest of dozens of women and girls in Herat city by Taliban forces under the pretext of “bad hijab” as unacceptable. The association has called for an immediate investigation into this incident by national and international human rights institutions.
According to eyewitness accounts, as well as images and videos published from Herat, a number of women have been detained in public places solely for allegedly failing to comply with the Taliban’s imposed standards of clothing. The Afghanistan Women’s Coordination Association does not consider these arrests as an isolated incident; rather, it views them within the broader framework of widespread restrictions and systematic policies of suppression against women in Afghanistan.
The association expresses its deep concern over the consequences of such detentions, as the detained women may face the risk of mistreatment, psychological pressure, threats, humiliation, and violations of their fundamental rights. Previous reports by human rights organizations have also raised concerns regarding the situation of women in Taliban detention facilities.
The Afghanistan Women’s Coordination Association calls on the international community, the European Union, the European Commission, the Ministry of Justice, Sweden, the United Nations, UN Women, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct an immediate and independent investigation into the recent detentions of women in Herat, and to urge the Taliban to respect women’s fundamental rights and individual freedoms. The association also calls for immediate and unconditional action to secure the release of all detained women.
The Afghanistan Women’s Coordination Association emphasizes that the rights of Afghan women must not be ignored in political processes. Any engagement that overlooks the human rights situation of women could undermine the principles of justice and accountability.
The association stands with the women of Herat and all Afghan women who continue to face widespread restrictions and pressure. It calls on the international community to listen seriously to the voices of Afghan women and take practical measures to protect their rights.
